START WHERE YOU ARE: Building Climate Resilience… Through Cooperative Housing and Land Care

Guest post by Doug-Earth

How can we live climate safer and more sustainable lives starting today, right where we are? Many of us are asking and answering that question. Whether you plan to move to a new Climate Safe Village, stay exactly where you are, or are thinking of moving to a new home in a climate safer community, you can start here and now. Improvements to your home and garden, learning new knowledge and skills, and building cooperative networks can help us all lead climate safer and more sustainable lives. We can build now, and adapt or move later.

BUILDING COMMUNITY THROUGH COOPERATIVE HOUSING AND LAND CARE: An example 

Many of us are exploring options for creating community and cooperating to care for land, wildlife and gardens for sustainability and climate resilience. Here is one example, where I live, that may be helpful.

Many intentional communities are challenged to last for a couple decades. The one where I live is 88 years old and thriving!  Our cooperative housing association was formed in 1936 and includes 177 houses and 23 acres of cooperatively owned land. Cul-du-sac streets, adjacent greenspaces, and woodlands offer a vision of community that has been sustained and vibrant over time, increasingly so over the 40+ years I have lived here.

Neighbors own their own houses and lots, and also cooperatively own and care for adjacent greenspaces and woods. We have interest groups that cooperate to do a variety of things. We tend woods and greenspaces increasing biodiversity and reducing wildfire risk. We advocate for healthy environments with local governments and organize for political action. We read books, cycle, garden, share music and other performing arts, and celebrate together. Here’s a sample of neighborhood wide celebrations held each year: cross country ski race; egg hunt; Fourth of July parade with a mobile band and kid’s decorated bike brigade; and a giant fall bonfire gathering.

Less formally we are simply good neighbors. We talk to each as we walk the paths we maintain and stroll or bike the low traffic streets. Many have lived here a long time so friendships run deep, though new neighbors quickly find ways to connect. We help each other, for example with yard and garden work, caring for animals, lending tools, and simply being available when the need arises. We sit together on porches and in living rooms, and hold block parties to keep connected. Some of us meditate together. 

All these elements just described contribute to a strong sense of community. There are dozens of neighbors we each know who would be glad to help. This is extremely valuable to us and leads others of similar mindset to seek to live here if there’s a vacant house. 

This self contained neighborhood exists within a diverse city. Adjacent neighborhoods share the values of community commitment to caring for public greenspaces and being good neighbors. It seems the deep values and connections of the housing cooperative spread out within our broader community.

Many neighbors have improved our small homes with hyper insulation, high efficiency appliances, solar panels and such. We happily talk about this and share ideas and resources with our neighbors.

Many neighbors maintain their own gardens and chicken coops next to their homes and share advice and resources like compost, seeds, plants, and grown food with neighbors. These simple acts build sustainability and climate resilience.

I chose to buy a home, stay and grow deep roots here, in part, for these exact reasons. While the cooperative, greenspaces and sense of community drew me here, I know that it’s only through sustained, intentional efforts to maintain these that our neighborhood will thrive and remain vibrant. 

May we all find or build a sustainable, climate resilient, cooperative community, whether you START WHERE YOU ARE in an existing neighborhood or start afresh to build a new one.

Doug-Earth

Four Lakes Watershed

Great Lakes Basin 

START WHERE YOU ARE: Building Climate Resilience…Through Home Gardens

Guest post by CSV Member Doug-Earth

How can we live climate safer and more sustainable lives starting today, right where we are? Many of us are asking and answering that question. Whether you plan to move to a new Climate Safe Village, stay exactly where you are, or are thinking of moving to a new home in a climate safer community, you can start here and now. Improvements to your home and garden, learning new knowledge and skills, and building cooperative networks can help us all lead climate safer and more sustainable lives. We can build now, and adapt or move later.

HOME GARDENS

While the topic of growing food for climate resilience and sustainability is huge, I am going to START WHERE WE ARE with a brief description of our home gardening practices. We began organic gardening 50 years ago, but only in the last few have we ramped it up to be more intensive, regenerative and sustainable.  Here is a high level overview of what we currently do.

BUILD SOIL QUALITY

• Gather tons of leaves to make compost and mulch. Haul most with a bike trailer. We have numerous giant fenced piles by winter, plus a hundred gallons or so of shredded leaves.

• Grow red worms indoors year round for excellent fertilizer, fed on kitchen scraps. We have many hundreds.

• Make compost from all available organic materials. We have three bins, one rotating for faster production.

• Use chicken manure from the chickens we raise, mixing with leaves, compost and worm manure.

• Add externally sourced fertilizer and compost as needed. We have to supplement our home grown fertilizer with about 100 pounds of fertilizer each year and a few cubic yards of compost  every year or two, even with all the home made fertilizers.

• Use a broadfork to loosen before adding amendments during non-growing times. Avoid any tilling.

RAISE CHICKENS

• Maintain a small group of chickens for eggs and manure.

• Gather and store chicken feed from various organic sources.

GROW VEGGIES and FRUITS

• Grow sprouts in the kitchen and microgreens indoors under lights during low light winter months.

• Start seedlings and other root-grown plants indoors in the winter and then in cold frames and the semi-greenhouse shed in spring.

• Grow a wide variety of annual veggies and fruits outdoors very intensively, that is, planted closer together and with more organic fertilizer, water and organic matter than generally recommended. Use all areas of the yard that get enough sun, including the front. We have about 500-600 square feet devoted to annual food crops. 

• Grow perennials like berries, fruit trees, asparagus, and some herbs, about 100 square feet.

• Arrange plantings so vines grow up other structures like bushes and shed. 

• Use succession planting to avoid soil depletion and pests.

• Continually solve problems with infestations, pests, watering issues, soil quality, plant supports and coverings, and so on. 

• Build fences, gates, trellises, row covers, and other structures to help keep healthy plants.

• Grow mushrooms on logs and wood chips in shady areas.

• In winter, grow indoors with a soil-based, worm-fed tower planter with high intensity LED lights and one set of shelves with LED grow lights for small plants.

HARVEST, CLEAN, SHARE, PRESERVE AND STORE FOOD

• Harvest, sometimes a bit before the peak of ripeness to avoid predation.

• Clean and dry food, then share with our neighbors and preserve if needed.

• Use solar and wind dehydration on racks outdoors, and in a semi-greenhouse shed.

• Use electric refrigeration, dehydration, freezing, and canning. Plus pickling.

• Use our unheated garage as “cold storage” for root crops, winter squashes, etc

• Collect, dry and store seeds for next year, e.g. squash, peppers, tomatoes, beans..

• We also shop at the farmers’ market, especially for late season crops for winter storage.

Doing these things, we, a couple of old and active folks, are able to grow, harvest and store about half of our food (by volume, not calories) in about 600 square feet of outdoor soil, 300 feet of chicken coop and run, one indoor tower garden, jars of sprouts and one set of shelves for seedlings and microgreens. In summer we have a hard time keeping up with the garden and chickens, spending 6-8 person-hours per day. It’s hard work for us. We could never have done this with our full time careers and families and are grateful to have the freedom in retirement not to need incomes and not to have health issues that stop us.

If you are imagining growing a lot of your own food for climate resilience, consider STARTING WHERE YOU ARE and gradually take up some of these or related practices. If nothing else, grow jars of sprouts on your kitchen counter or a small patio garden in pots. You will learn a lot and so greatly appreciate organically grown food!  

May we all have organically grown food to nourish and sustain us. 

Doug-Earth

Four Lakes Watershed

Great Lakes Basin

Can Our Downward Course Be Halted?!

Guest Post by Alton C. Thompson

In 1982, while in the local Barnes & Noble bookstore (which is now a hospital!), and looking through the “remainders” box, I found, and purchased, two books—and those books have had a profound influence on my thinking since then!  Eugene Linden’s Affluence and Discontent (1979) taught me that our species has long been on a downward course; and David Barash’s Introduction to Socioiology (1977) gave me an explanation of that downward course—that explanation being the “discrepancy” that began to develop, during the Neolithic Revolution, between:

1. The way of life for which we had become “designed” (during the lengthy period—about 97% of our existence—when our ancestors lived by gathering, scavenging, and hunting); and

2. The new ways of life that began to develop during that Revolution—which made life increasingly unnatural for those forced to live them!  And, thereby, “helping” propel our species on its downward course.

Given the historical developments—intellectual and institutional—that put our species on its downward course (relative to Earth System, that is!), along with the reason behind that downward course (the Discrepancy), it might seem that our species will continue on that course until “apocalypse” occurs (the term used by Linden on p. 178 of his book).  Until, that is, we proceed over the waterfall—to allude to the figure, left.)  Were Linden writing that book now in 2023, it’s likely that he would use “extinction” instead of “apocal-ypse”!—for some scientists are predicting a “ghastly” future for our species—including the possibility that our species will be extinct by 2030!

The reason for expecting a “ghastly” future is that at some point in the future warming is likely to begin “feeding on itself”—that some of the consequences of global warming (such as the thawing of permafrost) will themselves begin to become causes of further warming!  Temperature change will then be “sudden and catasclysmic”!  The fact that global warming is now accelerating may mean that “runaway” has now begun!

Because of that possibility, our situation today appears to be hopeless!—which caused me to write Ten Reasons Why We Are Doomed a little over a year ago!  

But should we, then, simply “roll over and play dead”?!  I, for one, am unwilling to do so!

But in developing a “cure” for the “illness” that afflicts us now, the first thing that needs attention is to identify the direct cause of our failure to act (the ultimate cause being the Discrepancy).  And in my looking to Thorstein Veblen’s [1857 – 1929] The Theory of the Leisure Class (1899) for that direct cause (and then writing Veblen and Our “Race” to Oblivion, last month, I reach these conclusions:

What Veblen’s Theory book seemingly suggests is that:

1. Because invidious comparison is a “given” in our society;

2. And such a mentality is “behind” the consumption that occurs in our society; 

3. Reducing the consumption that is “behind” the two major causes of the global warming now occurring (our burning of fossil fuels and deforestation activities), will be virtually impossible to accomplish!

But is there some way to change the mentality that’s directly “behind” the global warming now occurring—and even now accelerating (and thereby “bringing world ‘dangerously close’ to irreversible change”!)?  I suggest a possibility below.

What I suggest is that we create formal discussion groups that replicate, in important respects, the way of life for which we had become designed in the distant past!  And in doing so, we first recognize that we became designed:

1. To be different in abilities, interests, etc.; these differences having a genetic basis.

2. To be social creatures—who both need and want contact with other humans.

3. To live in small groups—with each member of a group using his/her particular abilities to contribute to the common good of the group.  That is, the different abilities/interests in the group complement one another.

4. With relationships within the group usually being of a harmonious nature—and if disharmony seems to be developing within the group, one or more members will recognize this, and do what they can to restore the harmony that had previously existed.  This might result in ejecting one or more members from the group, as a last resort.

The design of a discussion group, then, should replicate, in important respects, the features of a forager band of old.  So that by doing so, a mentality can be created within the group that will have carry-over value—so that in being carried over into one’s everyday life, it will enable one to cease being a captive of the society’s dominant mentality, with its emphasis on invidious thinking.

My expectation is that the thinking of those who agree to become members of the discussion group envisioned here will be tainted with invidious thinking; but that with exposure to the discussion group, that sort of thinking will diminish in importance, and perhaps do so in “the blink of an eye”!  And once that occurs, their behaviors will begin reflecting their new mentality—and will impact, positively, the mentality and behavior of those with whom they have contact!  Thus, what begins with a few can diffuse throughout the society!

Perhaps I am being overly optimistic here, regarding the potential of the particular discussion group to be introduced here—but if you think that you have a better solution to the mess that our species is in at present, by all means make it public!!

As the nature of the discussion group that I have in mind is discussed in this 16-page paper (The Discussion Group), I will restrict my comments here to just a few points that I regard as of particular importance:

1. Each session will have a “leader,” that person “chosen” using a random procedure—the assumption here being that anyone can be a leader!

2. The leader of a particular session has the responsibility of ensuring that the rules established for meetings are all honored.

3. Discussion proceeds in a particular way:  It begins with the leader, then proceeds to the person on the left, etc.  One may only speak when it’s one’s turn to speak.

4. The discussions that occur during sessions are likely to have numerous consequences—all of them of a positive nature!  As my 16-page paper points out in some detail.

In short, I believe that although the current (unnatural!) way of of life tends to impose a certain mentality and way of acting on us that are driving us in the direction of extinction, that it’s possible to acquire—via participation in the sort of discussion group advocated herein—a contrary mentality; and that if enough of us “inmates” do so, actions will be taken that will (possibly, at least!) “save” our species from that fate!

For various reasons, I have not acted on this proposal to create a special sort of discussion group; I hope, though, that someone does!  

This could be a “life or death” matter!!

Interview with Job One for Humanity Executive Director, Lawrence Wollersheim

Hear from the Executive Director of Job One For Humanity about the necessity of the ClimateSafe Villages project, the severity of the climate crisis, and how people can prepare.

Click here to watch the video

START WHERE YOU ARE! Building Climate Resilience

Guest article by Doug White

How can we live climate safer and more sustainable lives starting today, right where we are? Many of us are asking and answering that question. Whether you plan to move to a new Climate Safe Village, stay exactly where you are, or are thinking of moving to a new home in a climate safer community, you can start here and now. Improvements to your home and garden, learning new knowledge and skills, and building cooperative networks can help us all lead climate safer and more sustainable lives. We can build now, and adapt or move later.

This series of posts will offer succinct practical advice, not debate policy changes, nor offer encyclopedic details. It will focus on what we can do now, even without major improvements in policies, laws and systems. The advice and examples will be organized by types of climate threats and overarching topics such as emergency preparedness and cooperation. Much advice will start from the perspective of an urban/suburban homeowner, though others may help broaden that to renters, rural settings, and more mobile lifestyles.  We welcome and encourage comments and reactions to these Start Where You Are! posts, especially constructive ones adding to the coping strategies and examples.

Let’s Start Where We ARE!  It’s July and much of the Northern Hemisphere, including the US, is dealing with excessive heat, or will be soon. So let’s start with excessive heat and how to cope with it.

HEAT

The biggest cause of climate/weather-related human death is heat. How do we stay safer and somewhat comfortable during heat increasing drastically due to climate change?

1. Shade
 

Grow large trees south and west of your home.  Remember to do this 20 years before you want shade :>  Or pick a new home that has plenty of shade from trees on the south and west (Northern Hemisphere assumed). Even if you plan to move, consider the long term benefits of adding shade trees for others.  Add a pergola or awning for shade where trees are not possible.

Example: the large old maple tree in our south facing front yard provides the cooling of a large home air conditioner and allows more light and heat in winter. A north side pergola, removable shade cover, and umbrella add shade where trees won’t fit. We picked the home with shade in mind.

2. Passive geo-thermal.  Having some part of your residence below ground will be naturally cool. Avoid insulating the lower floors to maximize ground-cooling.

Example: the lower level of our house is finished for comfort and has a north-side walkout to the patio, and several windows for air circulation and natural light. It is our naturally cool refuge on hot days.

3. Insulation and sealing. Seal and insulate your house well to hold cool air in.  Seal top plates of walls, sill boxes, and exterior walls. Insulate attic, sill boxes and exterior walls as much as possible. Add high efficiency insulated windows, with low UV filters, and doors. Put multilayer cellular shades on all windows. If you don’t know what’s needed or where to start, hire a company to do a Home Energy Audit that should give you great directions, including how to get tax credits. Hire insulation contractors or DIY.

Example: After a thorough Home Energy Audit, we did extensive sealing and insulating, upgraded windows and doors, added cellular shades and got big tax credits that helped pay for it.  This greatly reduced our energy use making our home more sustainable and climate resilient.

4. Fans. Use multiple ceiling fans in common rooms, with floor stand and box fans for auxiliary rooms.  Use battery operated fans for power outages.

5. Dehumidifier/air conditioner.  Use several high efficiency dehumidifiers/air conditioners for the hottest and/or wettest times.  If a new major unit is needed, consider a high efficiency air exchange heat pump and top of the line air conditioners. Avoid over-relying on AC by using the other methods outlined here.

Example: Our high efficiency dehumidifier/air conditioner is only run on the hottest evenings. If the house is closed during hot days, no AC is needed, though small dehumidifiers in lower level help keep humidity down to avoid damage to household items.

6. Location. If you are in a high heat region, consider if you can relocate to somewhere where temperatures and humidity will be more moderate.

Cooperation for Community Resilience

Work with the local governments to increase shade trees in your area.

Work with local neighbors and land trusts to protect more old trees in your area.

Help your neighbors by encouraging them to make the changes outlined above.

ClimateSafe Villages Design Challenge: Building Resilient Communities - $1,000 First Place Award

Overview: ClimateSafe Villages (CSV) invites individuals and students to participate in our inaugural design challenge, focusing on creating highly climate-resilient and cost-effective community designs. We seek innovative ideas that blend proven techniques with cutting-edge solutions to address the pressing challenges posed by climate change. Participants will submit a visual rendering showcasing their design and a 3-6 page document outlining the materials, methods, and mechanisms employed, enabling local communities to implement these designs effectively.

Design Criteria: Submissions should address the following key aspects of climate resilience:

1. Extreme Temperatures: Incorporate passive and active strategies to maintain comfortable living conditions during both heat waves and cold snaps.

2. Sustainability: Prioritize eco-friendly materials, renewable energy sources, and efficient resource management to minimize the community's environmental footprint.

3. Local Food Production and Storage: Integrate spaces for community gardens, vertical farming, and food storage facilities to enhance food security and self-sufficiency.

4. Fire Resistance: Employ fire-resistant materials and design features to mitigate the risk of damage from wildfires.

5. Wind and Storm Resilience: Incorporate structural elements and landscaping techniques that can withstand high winds and severe storms.

6. Flood Mitigation: Design effective drainage systems, elevated structures, and natural barriers to protect against flooding.

The design should focus on the architectural, engineering, and visual aspects of the community, fostering a high quality of life and encouraging community building.

Submission Requirements:

1. Visual Rendering: Provide a high-quality, digital rendering or illustration that clearly depicts your community design concept. The rendering should highlight the key features and overall layout of the proposed community.

2. Design Document: Submit a 3-6 page document (PDF format) that includes: 

   1. A brief introduction to your design concept and its unique features 

   2. A detailed description of the materials, methods, and mechanisms used to address each of the design criteria 

   3. An explanation of how your design supports quality of life and community building 

   4.  Any additional diagrams, sketches, or images that support your design (optional)

Eligibility: The competition is open to individuals and students aged 18 and above. Teams of up to four members are allowed. Participants from all disciplines, including architecture, engineering, sustainability, and related fields, are encouraged to apply.

Judging Criteria: Submissions will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

1. Climate Resilience (40%): Effectiveness in addressing the six key aspects of climate resilience outlined in the design criteria.

2. Innovation (20%): Originality and creativity in combining proven techniques with novel solutions.

3. Cost-Effectiveness (20%): Feasibility of implementation and potential for cost savings in construction and maintenance.

4. Quality of Life and Community Building (20%): Success in creating a design that promotes a high quality of life and fosters a strong sense of community.

Awards:

1. First Place: The winning design will receive a cash prize of $1,000 and recognition on the CSV website and social media channels.

2. Second Place: Two runners-up will each receive a cash prize of $500 and recognition on the CSV website and social media channels.

Deadline and Submission: The deadline for submissions is December 1st, 2024. All submissions must be sent via email to info@climatesafevillages.org with the subject line "CSV Design Challenge Submission." Any submissions that are missing this subject line will not be considered.

By participating in the CSV Design Challenge, entrants agree to allow CSV to showcase their submissions on our website, social media, and other promotional materials, with proper attribution to the creators.

For any questions or inquiries, please contact us at info@climatesafevillages.org.

Join us in shaping the future of resilient communities and making a positive impact in the face of climate change. We look forward to seeing your innovative designs!

Additional Information:
 Intellectual Property: By submitting a design to the CSV Design Challenge, participants retain ownership of their intellectual property. However, participants grant CSV a non-exclusive, royalty-free, perpetual license to use, modify, and implement the submitted designs for promotional and educational purposes, with proper attribution to the creators. 

Use of copyrighted material without permission is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, screenshots of existing copyrighted images. Participants may use non-original images only if they have the appropriate license or permission to do so. For instance, some images are available under Creative Commons licenses that allow free use with proper attribution. When using such images, participants must provide clear attribution and adhere to the specific terms of the license. It is the responsibility of the participant to ensure they have the necessary rights to use any non-original content in their submission.

 The evaluation process will consist of a single round of judging, where the CSV Advisory Committee will assess each submission based on the judging criteria outlined above. The decisions of the advisory committee are final. 

 Participants are free to use any design software of their choice to create the visual rendering. The final rendering should be submitted in a widely accessible format, such as PNG or JPEG. The accompanying design document should be submitted in PDF format. 

 Participants are encouraged to explore the materials available on the CSV website (climatesafevillages.org) for information on climate resilience, sustainable design, and community building. These resources can provide valuable insights and inspiration for the design challenge. 

 CSV is committed to protecting the privacy and personal information of all participants. Any personal data collected during the submission process will be handled in accordance with relevant data protection laws and CSV's privacy policy. 

 CSV reserves the right to modify or cancel the design challenge at any time, without prior notice. The decisions of the CSV Advisory Committee are final and not subject to appeal. CSV is not responsible for any costs incurred by participants in connection with the design challenge. 

What do I do if I can’t move?

Guest article from volunteer and advisor Charles S.

Evaluate your home. Are there repairs that are needed? Do you invest in making your current home more weather tight? More resistant to storm damage? Do you remove trees that may fall and damage your home?

Climate Safe Villages (CSV) offers a conversation for those who aren’t moving in the face of approaching climate change.

CSV is a non-profit organization of volunteers to help people become aware of climate change and plan for the impending significant impacts. Their website ClimateSafeVillages.org has a wealth of research information and ways to cope. CSV uses the latest national and international scientific information to determine what the conditions will be for the world in the near future.

CSV also promotes preparedness and planning for the contingencies indicated in the weather data. It is a great place to learn about the many things that most of us take for granted and that may not be so easy to come by soon. CSV assists groups of people in determining where and how to set up a village and enjoying a continued healthy and happy life.

There are groups getting together to merge different generations of skills, experience and finances to create the villages. These can be found at ClimateSafeVillages.org. One of the most important decisions facing climate-change-aware people today is where to live. Synergistic effects of climate change, political and social actions suggest that there will be significant disruptions by 2030.

The information in this article is aimed at the one- or two- family residence in the suburban or rural setting. The conversation is to help you prepare your current home for the forthcoming challenges that will be created by climate change and its secondary effects. Different strategies apply with greater population density and less property in urban areas. Although the basic needs remain the same for a family, methods to meet the needs during utility and transportation disruptions may require a different approach.

The number one concept that will help a family succeed and be safe is community. In this context, community can be defined as a group of people coordinating their efforts for the same goal. The size will range from a nuclear family to a neighborhood. Social research suggests that once a group reaches 150 people (this may be adults and children), it becomes difficult to maintain cohesiveness with coordination and cooperation. When communities approach 150 members, a schism typically happens and there are now two communities. The two communities then can coordinate their efforts.

The number one concept that will help a family succeed and be safe is community.

Creating community

Creating community will differ vastly depending on the current situation. Newcomers who have not yet connected with their neighbors must make the effort to talk with them and introduce the concept of a village where people coordinate and help each other. For those who have established relationships (chatting over the neighborhood garage sale, etc.), this new, serious subject has to be introduced and a determination made of who wants to be involved in the endeavor. It is important to provide factual research and not over-the-top language. Resources will be suggested at the end of this article. Not everyone will be inclined to join or even embrace the concept. In this case, I encourage a live-and-let-live attitude, and let nature do the convincing in the future. Someone may re-evaluate and join later with resources the community would benefit from. Open-mindedness and acceptance of others is crucial for the development of any community. One idea is to have a block party. There are guides for block parties on the internet.

Talking points for community discussion

Society in the United States is currently based on reliable electric power, from the traffic light to your refrigerator, to centralized farms and food processing facilities. The load on the existing electric infrastructure will increase based on increasing population, increasing temperatures causing increased use of air conditioners and increasing use of electric vehicles (EVs). Electrical infrastructure is vulnerable to increasing temperatures and more volatile and frequent storms. Electrical generation becomes less efficient in hotter conditions.

Current real factors that should be considered in making your decisions and preparations:

Basic electrical equipment such as breakers, transformers and generators for buildings are in short supply and may take a year or more to arrive after being ordered. Continued severe weather damaging buildings and infrastructure is further straining the supply chain.

There are many areas, specifically high-density urban areas, that have been built up over many years where the infrastructure is old. Rising water tables and increasing storm activity could cause damage that municipalities cannot financially handle.

Transportation of food is dependent on fuel, roadways, and bridges. Many bridges are aging and repair/replacement costs are becoming more challenging financially. This sets the stage for sudden loss of paths for supplies to reach a particular area when a path is damaged from weather or other events.

Weather events are increasing in volatility, such as tornados reported in the Northern Plains in March of 2024. The world temperature average in 2023 broke the 1.5 degrees centigrade increase mark and this was not expected for a few more years.

Wild fires have heavily damaged several huge farms in the Midwest and areas in the West.

Drought in Georgia has heavily damaged the crops there since 2023.

Hurricanes in Florida did great damage to the crops there also in 2023. Early hurricane forecasts are for an above average season for 2024, which means more and stronger storms impacting the US coast than is typical. A new category 6 hurricane power level is being considered because of the more powerful storms. Stronger storms would increase both the coastal damage and how far inland wind damage would occur. The oil industry and major refineries are located on the Gulf of Mexico coast and are vulnerable to hurricanes, which could disrupt the fuel supply chain and thereby food distribution.

Supply lines depend on centralized distribution points that are more vulnerable as they degrade over time, such as the Francis Scott Key bridge damaged in Baltimore which has blocked an international harbor.

Melting polar ice and ocean warming will re-distribute water mass to other places on the planet which will affect weather, earthquake activity and seashore boundaries.

There are some areas in the Midwest where the water table has been compromised by oil-drilling processes leaving materials underground. This interferes with watering crops and animals.

Weather events are increasing in volatility

The planet is not at risk - the people on it are at risk

Climate change modeling suggests that there could be a very large rise in coastal ocean levels and coastal water tables by 2050. Combine the large rise with more powerful hurricanes impacting the Louisiana and Texas coasts where the oil industry is focused, and the fuel supply concerns become obvious.

The preparations you make will depend on your local conditions, but we will discuss common aspects so that you can prepare for them. ClimateSafeVillages.org can be an excellent place to get information and assistance.

Several factors that will affect your decisions and planning:

Based on your location, how long do you want to be able to supply your own needs?

How long will it take to achieve your chosen level of preparedness?

What skills should be acquired to increase your survival capability?

What will you need to be comfortable -- to survive? 

If you do not have the money to purchase these, OR they are simply not available on the market due to supply chain issues, how will you cope?

Let us look at some basic needs. (These do not include other items each household may want to continue, such as employment, education, etc.) The basic items a family need are:

• Potable water

• Food

• Shelter

• Cooling and heating for the shelter

• Health and Safety

• Defense or protection from those who have not planned and want what you have.

Water

If you depend on the municipal water utility as your only water source, how do you cope when it fails? The municipal system will depend on electrical power. In some cases, the municipal system may be old and, with rising water tables, can become compromised. The further you are from the source of the water, the more vulnerable you are. A water well with tested potable water is very important. A hand pump, in addition to an electric pump, is a necessity. The more wells there are in the community, the better. You don’t have to carry water as far and redundancy is always good. If a well is not an option, how much water can you--or should you--store? Major hurricane impact areas have been known to be without power for weeks.

Will your backup electricity source provide for cooling in a hotter climate?

Food

Can your neighborhood community provide food for its members? Everyone will need to have gardens on their property. Planning these gardens is primarily the individual’s task for their family’s likes and dislikes. Coordinating with neighbors can also provide variety and sharing opportunities. Is there a member that can do animal husbandries such as goats, rabbits, chickens, etc.? Utilizing individual talents for the different farming needs will go a long way in community cohesiveness and sharing. Are there farms or ranches nearby that can become a local source? A small cattle ranch can provide beef and milk in exchange for labor or specialty services in addition to money. These local sources need to be used now to support their continued existence and establish good relationships. Be a good customer now so that you can be a customer in the future. This creates the basis of them becoming a member of the community. Learning how to store food will be very important. Move toward local seasonal menus. BUY LOCAL!

Shelter and power

Evaluate your home. Are there repairs that are needed? Do you invest in making your current home more weather tight? More resistant to storm damage? Do you remove trees that may fall and damage your home? Do said trees provide shade to help keep your home cool in a warming world? Are you on a municipal sewer system? What do you do if it fails, e.g., electric power pumping stations? Are you on a septic tank? What is its condition? How much septic tank additive do you stock and when? At what point do you decide an inspection and repair is appropriate before things turn sour? What are you doing for your own backup electrical power? How much power do you really need? If you use generators for short-term outages, how much fuel do you keep on hand and rotate? Beware ethanol fuel storage. Solar power with batteries that will supply your home during a utility outage is a high-priority item. Make sure that the system does not require any utility connection, either power or communications, to operate properly to provide power for your home.

Cooling and heating

Will your backup electricity source provide for cooling in a hotter climate? Do you rely on electricity for heat? If you use fossil fuels for heating, what is the supply chain for the fuel? Can you heat with wood? If so, are there enough natural areas that can supply the community and you?

Protection

How close are you to urban areas where people may have to migrate and use your community as a stopping point for supplies (with or without your permission)? Is there someone in your community who can assess defense vulnerabilities and counter measures? What will be the community standards for the use of force to protect crops, livestock and people?

The goal of this article has been to provide direct honest discussion about the society we live in and some speed bumps that are seen down the road. The ideas presented are for starting conversations and thoughtful preparation on everyone’s part. At the very least, please do your part in stopping the processes that are causing climate change. If each one of us does their best in this regard, we will improve the probabilities that we can live a fruitful and enjoyable life.

In summary, it is anticipated that major events are on the horizon. Let us work together cooperatively to get through these rough times.

Appendices

Major events that can occur with little or no warning: Major earthquakes with or without tsunamis, major flooding, volcano eruptions, major solar flares like the Carrington event of 1859, nuclear detonation or power plant accidents, cyber-attacks on infrastructure.

Factual Reference Sources:

ClimateSafeVillages.org

https://www.thecooldown.com/

https://www.joboneforhumanity.org/

https://nca2023.globalchange.gov/ (The Fifth National Climate Assessment)

Some authors have researched and written fictional stories that describe society that has lost electrical power. The book Dies the Fire by S.M. Stirling provides some interesting insights on how different people respond to sudden changes. What is important in the story is not why power is lost, but what happens in society when there is a loss of electrical power. The real electrical infrastructure vulnerability is not so dire. It won’t entirely disappear overnight. Solar power works and hydro generation works, especially for the household.

So, start thinking and planning on how you are going to help your family and community adapt to the dramatic changes ahead from a changing climate.

Check with us at ClimateSafeVillages.org for additional information and support.

New members-only resources: Personal Preparation Guide and Jim Schenk Q&A

As the impacts of climate change become increasingly tangible, it's crucial to take proactive steps to enhance your resilience and adaptability. At ClimateSafe Villages, we're thrilled to introduce our latest resource for our valued members: the Personal Preparation Guide.

This comprehensive guide is designed to empower you with practical strategies and insights to navigate the challenges posed by a changing environment. From water and food preparation to energy conservation and emergency supplies, our guide covers all the essential aspects of personal preparedness.

By becoming a member of ClimateSafe Villages, you'll gain exclusive access to this and other guides and resources, including the Urban Resilience Guide and the Climate Change Conditions Guide.

Some of the key topics covered in the Personal Preparation Guide include:

1. Water Preparation: Learn techniques for collecting, storing, and purifying water to ensure a consistent supply during droughts or disruptions.

2. Food Preparation: Discover preservation techniques, pantry essentials, and sustainable food production methods to create a secure and resilient food supply.

3. Energy Conservation: Explore renewable energy options and energy-efficient practices to reduce reliance on external power supplies and promote energy independence.

4. Backup Emergency Supplies: Get a comprehensive checklist of essential items for your emergency supply kit, tailored to your specific needs and potential emergency scenarios.

As a member of ClimateSafe Villages, you'll not only have access to this vital resource but also join our community of like-minded individuals committed to building resilience and adapting to the challenges of climate change.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your preparedness and contribute to a more sustainable future. Sign up for our base membership today and unlock access to the Personal Preparation Guide, along with a wealth of other exclusive resources and support.

Also! Just added to our resources for Full Members Only:

The recording from our live Q&A event with urban ecovillage expert, Jim Schenk, author of “Creating an Urban Ecovillage, a Model for Revitalizing our Cities.” In this engaging panel discussion, Jim shares his insights on the challenges and rewards of establishing urban ecovillages and how they contribute to sustainability. He also discusses the concept of collaborative decision-making and its role in building resilient communities..

Become a full member to access this recording and future Q&A sessions!

Announcement: CSV Board transition, and our 3 new board members!

Transition Announcement: Lawrence Wollersheim

ClimateSafe Villages expresses deep gratitude to Lawrence Wollersheim for his invaluable contributions and dedicated service as he steps down from our board of directors, due to personal and professional commitments. Lawrence has played a pivotal role in the foundational stages of CSV, bringing his extensive experience and passion for climate resilience to the forefront of our initiatives. His efforts have been instrumental in establishing CSV as a beacon for sustainable community development and climate change solutions. While we will miss his direct involvement on the board, we look forward to his continued support and guidance in an advisory capacity. Lawrence's commitment to the climate change cause, through both CSV and his ongoing work with Job One For Humanity, leaves a lasting impact on our organization and the broader community. We are profoundly thankful for his dedication and look forward to his future contributions to our shared mission.

Welcome new CSV Board Members!

CSV is excited to announce three new members to our board!

Jeff Rice
Jeff Rice lives in Seattle and has served with many Seattle organizations focusing on the Asian American community for many years. He served on the Board of Directors for the Filipino Community of Seattle and helped establish the youth program FilSTAR as well as contributed to the early planning of the Filipino Community Village, a mixed development providing affordable housing to seniors. He then was Treasurer on the Board of Directors for API Chaya Seattle which serves survivors of sexual violence, human trafficking, and domestic violence within the Pacific Islander, Native Hawaiian, Asian, and South Asian communities. He has pivoted his time and efforts towards understanding how climate change may impact global supply chains and connecting with groups to implement resilience within local communities. As part of Climate Safe Villages, he is actively involved with planning towards launching a site in Bellingham, WA. His hobbies include backyard farming, guerrilla-gardening, learning appliance repair, reading, learning DIY skills, and taking his kids to various sports activities.
He currently works at Amazon as a Sr Manager and previously worked at Starbucks.

Benjamin Ofodum
Benjamin is a lifelong learner with background in Chemical Engineering and Electrical Engineering focused on emerging technologies including renewables, decarbonization, energy efficiency and storage. With experience from working for a utility company, solar PV construction and as an independent contractor to a non-profit organization helping oil and gas workers looking to transition into renewables space, he is committed to initiatives that promote sustainability, drive innovation, and advocate for the collective well-being of our planet and humanity. By reimagining the integration of clean energy solutions within our built environment, he envisions a future defined by energy efficiency, sufficiency, and environmental harmony.

Tim Ely
Tim Ely is a volunteer Community Lead with Climate Safe Villages. He is also co-leader of the St. Louis area chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby, a nonpartisan group which champions legislation to fight climate change. Tim received his Bachelor’s of Science degree in Computer Science from Purdue University, and an MBA from Washington University in St. Louis. When he’s not taking part in climate activism, Tim works as a cybersecurity engineer at a medical device company.

CSV Volunteer Interview with Author Les Kuzyk

ClimateSafe Villages (CSV) has just published a new video featuring an interview with author Les Kuzyk. In this interview, CSV volunteer Tim Ely discusses climate change and the power of storytelling with Kuzyk, who has written several speculative novels exploring how humans might deal with climate change in the near future. Kuzyk shares his thoughts on the role of fiction in raising awareness and inspiring action on this critical issue. To watch the full interview and learn more about Kuzyk's perspective, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhwDCSvlP_U.

Please don’t forget to like and subscribe to our channel!

Beyond 1.5C: Pioneering Climate Resilience with CSV

In 2022, the UN’s Environment Agency said what many had already suspected, that there is no “credible pathway to 1.5C.” The 1.5C limit represents global average surface warming of 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial temperatures, and was the goal of the Paris Agreement, in order to avert the severe global impacts of climate change. Breaching this critical limit means that while the fight to reduce carbon emissions continues, humanity also faces the need to adapt to different, and more difficult, climate conditions.

While society goes forward with fossil fuels to continue our “business as usual,” the reality is that the extreme climate conditions we face will be challenging for individuals to cope with. Insurance companies, experts at anticipating the future, are already signaling these challenges by exiting many markets and raising prices. Extreme disasters, including unprecedented wildfires, floods, and storms, are already wreaking havoc on people’s homes across the world. Extreme temperatures are already threatening lives as well. According to the World Meteorological Organization, the last 50 years have seen a dramatic increase in weather-related disasters, with a disaster related to a weather, climate or water hazard occurring every day on average – killing 115 people and causing US$ 202 million in losses daily.

The good news is that through a new movement, ClimateSafe Villages, people are coming together to start to prepare for these worsening conditions. For example, ClimateSafe Villages advisors are researching innovative building methods and materials that can withstand extreme disasters. This movement comprises climate change scientists, bio-sustainability experts, engineers, and everyday people pitching in to contribute what they can to our future survival. By creating models and guides, CSV is building a practical, actionable pathway for climate resilience that can be accessible to all.

For example, CSV is currently exploring earth-sheltered homes, which have roots that trace back to ancient times and have been used by various indigenous and traditional cultures around the world. These structures are known for their natural insulation, energy efficiency, and their use of local materials, which still make them a practical choice for various climates and settings. They are particularly resilient to challenges like wind and fires.

Yet, preparing for certain impacts, like those related to water, presents even greater challenges. Water, for example, requires more than just innovative architecture. Climate change means that while water becomes scarcer, paradoxically, the risk of flooding increases as well. That’s because rising temperatures hold more moisture in the atmosphere, but that also means that when it rains, it pours in destructive ways. The World Resources Institute warns that even under the most optimistic climate scenarios, by 2050, an additional 1 billion people are expected to live with extremely high water stress. How can we prepare for future water challenges of this kind? CSV promotes community systems to capture, store, and preserve water in drought times, and to capture and divert rain when it comes down. These systems require careful approaches to agriculture, graywater uses, and pipes and drains.

Another major challenge is food availability. As climate change worsens, crops are impacted. According to the Environmental Defense Fund, extreme heat, changing rainfall and other climate change impacts will make it harder to grow staple crops in the U.S. as soon as 2030. In recent years, we've already seen how extreme weather events are affecting crop yields. But building food resilience for yourself and your community is no easy feat. That’s why ClimateSafe Villages is building food resilience models that are regenerative and healthy for the environment, but are more adaptable and resilient to changing environmental conditions like heat and drought. ClimateSafe Villages combines low-tech, traditional permaculture approaches with indoor food growing techniques. We are also proponents of seed-saving and food storage technologies, which provide another layer of resilience.

Many people are finding CSV through a simple web search, because they are concerned that not enough is being done to protect their communities from the worst effects of climate change. They are often concerned for their children, or grandchildren, and want to be a part of something more realistic for the future.

Ultimately, we are encouraged and hopeful seeing people come together in honest conversations about the serious challenges of climate change, without the dismissive bury-your-head-in-the-sand “hopium” we might be used to, in order to create solutions for their communities and for the planet.

Discover more about this movement at ClimateSafeVillages.org, and consider joining a local community effort or even our team of volunteers and advisors. Anyone can make a difference.
Facing climate change is daunting, but with supportive communities like this, we can navigate these challenges together.

CSV January Updates - Don't forget to fill out our community application!

We are writing to share some January updates!

This year we are working to move CSV to an independent organization. We officially have our IRS Exemption Letter confirming our 501(c)3 status, which means that all donations to CSV are tax deductible! Donate now to support our cause.

Are you on the Basecamp yet? This is where our volunteers talk and coordinate about building the first CSVs. So far, discussions are happening for Washington State, the Upper Midwest, and Northeast. Email us if you need help joining!

We are also working to create new guides and content. Check out this PDF guide that we are working on which provides accessible information on how to prepare for climate change. We appreciate all feedback on this!

In other news, our Executive Director, Leonora Camner, was featured this week on the Nick Halaris Podcast. Leonora has become a passionate advocate for a whole suite of big ideas including leveraging the power of community to deal with all the potential consequences of climate change and pushing for innovative reforms to democratic processes. Listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music and Youtube or on your favorite podcast platform.

Finally, please don't forget to indicate your interest in applying for our first communities. This is the list and information we use to reach out to you when spots open up in the first CSVs. If you would like to find out when spots open up and get access, please make sure to submit your information.

ClimateSafe Villages

climatesafevillages.org

Creating a Sustainable Future with Mike Nickerson

We are excited to invite you to our first 2024 event at ClimateSafe Villages, featuring sustainability expert Mike Nickerson. We plan to make this a thought-provoking and engaging session, focusing on learning about Mike's work on creating an eco-village, and the "More Fun, Less Stuff" Movement.

With human activity pressing against planetary limits, perpetual growth is no longer an appropriate goal. We can choose to create a stable relationship with Earth. This different approach to mutual provision (the economy) requires a change of perspective. Time-tested biological processes provide a foundation for securing long-term well-being as society's economic 'metabolism' adapts to our new situation. A glimpse of a future the grandchildren might enjoy can be seen through the precept 'More Fun, Less Stuff'.

Event Details:
Title: "Creating a Sustainable Future with Mike Nickerson"
Date: Friday, January 12
Time: 12:00 – 1:00pm Pacific Time - (1PM Mountain Time, 2 PM Central Time, 3 PM Eastern Time)
Location: Online via Google Meet

About Mike Nickerson:
Mike Nickerson, a renowned figure in the field of sustainability, co-founded the Institute for the Study of Cultural Evolution in 1971. He is an advocate for the Genuine Progress Index (GPI) and has contributed extensively to the dialogue on sustainable living through his writings and talks. His influential books include "Change the World I Want to Stay On", "Planning for Seven Generations", and "Life, Money and Illusion; Living on Earth as if We Want to Stay”.

Join us for an enriching Q&A session with the whole group, where you can interact directly with Mike and discuss these critical topics. Review these images below to prepare for the session (click on the images for higher resolution) :

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn and contribute to the conversation about our sustainable future. We look forward to seeing you there!

Update: Your Impact This Holiday Season

We wanted to share an inspiring update on the impact of your support for ClimateSafe Villages (CSV).

Thanks to the generosity of individuals like you, we've made significant strides toward our goal. So far, we are in the process of supporting the creation of a potential 2 to 3 CSVs, in the Bellingham and Great Lakes areas. These active groups are in talks to move forward with the construction of these first sites. 

Construction companies have been interviewed, and preliminary plans are being made. 

Your contributions are already shaping a more resilient future.

However, there's still more work to be done. We're reaching out again to ask for your continued support in our mission. If you haven't had the chance to donate yet, now is a perfect time. Every contribution brings us closer to creating sustainable communities that can thrive despite climate challenges.

Donate on our website or support our GoFundMe to build grassroots momentum.

Thank you for being a part of this critical movement. Together, we're building a better world.

ClimateSafe Villages

climatesafevillages.org